Most mothers are concerned about their milk supply, and it often leads them to misconceptions. Just because their breasts don’t feel full or they don’t leak, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have a low milk supply.
Some mothers are bothered by this topic, which causes them to quit breastfeeding. If you have a low milk supply it’s important to know that you can still do something about it.
We need to know first if you indeed really have a low milk supply. Let’s discuss and tackle the various topics when it comes to having a low milk supply.
What are the Signs of Low Milk Supply?
The real signs of low milk supply vary when your baby doesn’t get enough milk, and these signs include:
- Diapers
If your baby doesn’t seem to have many dirty diapers, it could mean that the baby isn’t peeing or pooping enough. Breastfed newborns will have about five dirty diapers in 24 hours. If your baby doesn’t seem to have enough dirty diapers, then your baby may not be getting enough milk.
- Dehydration
If your baby seems to have a dry mouth and dark urine color, it means that she is dehydrated. Other signs of dehydration include tearless crying and sunken eyes. If these signs appear, you need to seek medical advice immediately.
- Weight
Losing weight after birth is just normal. After your baby’s first days, she will lose about 5% of her birth weight. However, when her 4th day has passed, she will start to gain weight.
By day 10-14, she must have already met her birth weight and will continue to gain 4-7 ounces per week. If your baby doesn’t seem to meet her expected weight, you must seek medical consultation immediately.
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What are the Causes of Low Milk Supply?
Studies have found that maintaining good milk production has something to do with the cycle of supply and demand. Here are some of the reasons for having a low milk supply:
- Supplementing
Breastfeeding is a supply and demand process. Your milk production depends on how much milk your baby needs. When your baby feeds on formulated milk, she will be feeding less frequently on your milk, resulting in your body producing less milk.
- Infrequent feedings
As previously said, milk production depends on how much milk is required. Feeding schedules can also interfere with the supply and demand process as it does not stimulate your breast to produce enough milk. Instead of setting up a feeding schedule, just feed your baby whenever she’s hungry.
- Pacifiers
Pacifiers can cause some changes in your baby’s latch. As your baby spends her time sucking pacifiers, it reduces the amount of time that she will spend with your breasts, which also causes your milk supply to drop.
- Short sessions
Nursing can take up to hours, and things can be really boring. However, cutting your baby’s feeding session won’t be good for both of you. Aside from your baby not getting enough nutritious milk, your breasts won’t be sufficiently pumped. When your breasts aren’t emptied, they won’t be stimulated for milk production.
Also read: Fenugreek Seed for Increasing Milk Supply
How do I Increase My Milk Supply?
You can increase your milk supply by simply draining your breastmilk sufficiently. But there are other things you need to consider as well. Here’s how you can deal with your milk supply:
- Efficient nursing
Basically, this is how you sufficiently drain your milk. When a mother’s milk is not effectively emptied from her breasts, her body won’t be stimulated to make more milk. It is important that you also check your baby’s positioning and latch. If your baby isn’t getting the right positioning and latch, then your nursing is less likely to be efficient.
- Frequently nursing
This is still part of sufficiently draining your milk. It is important that you breastfeed your baby as long as she is still active. If your baby doesn’t nurse often, consider consulting your doctor for further guidelines.
- Nursing vacation
Take some break from all your work. You should also refrain from doing house chores. Have a day off when it’s just you and your baby. Aside from how this builds a bond between you and your baby, you are also increasing your milk supply.
- Offer both sides
You might think that your baby is already done feeding once it detaches to your breast. However, this might also mean that she has lost her interest in your breast and wants the other one instead. Switching sides three or more times during your nursing is also efficient. You should use both sides at least twice every feeding. If your baby feeds too quickly, you may use breast compression which keeps the session longer. Breast compression happens by simply gently squeezing your breast during nursing, in order to release more milk.
- Avoid pacifiers
Using pacifiers or feeding bottles isn’t recommended at all. Even if your doctor requires you to use a temporary supplement, you can feed it to your baby by using a spoon, dropper, and cup. Your baby’s sucking needs should only be provided by your breasts. It is also important that your baby only gets breast milk. In this way, he/she will also be getting all the nourishment that he/she needs.
- Taking care of yourself
Your health is important too! Make sure that you’re still getting enough sleep. Steal some moments when you can relax. Stay dehydrated and keep a balanced diet.
- Pumping
Pumping can be helpful when it comes to nursing. If your baby doesn’t nurse often, the milk in your breasts will only stay there. Pumping can help you increase milk supply as it can also sufficiently drain your milk. However, you have to make sure that you pump until the last drop, otherwise, it wouldn’t be helpful at all.
- Galactagogue intake
A galactagogue is a herb that can increase your milk supply. Some of the best galactagogue herbs are Fenugreek, Blessed thistle, and Alfalfa. But before consuming any galactagogue, you should consult your doctor first.
Increased milk supply results in a healthier baby as the baby meets the expected weight. You’ll be able to tell that you’re making enough milk when your baby produces more dirty diapers and when his/her urine is colorless. Breastfeeding is important to both moms and babies as it keeps them both healthy, and a low supply of milk shouldn’t hinder any mother from breastfeeding. With the tips above, you’ll be on your way to healthy milk production to keep your little one happy and full.
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